# Book II explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

This chapter covers the successors of Euclides and the Megaric school, including Eubulides, Alexinus, Euphantus, and Diodorus Cronus, along with their dialectical arguments. It then transitions to Aristippus of Cyrene, his hedonistic philosophy, his interactions with Socrates, Diogenes, and Dionysius, and his ability to adapt to circumstances. Finally, it discusses Archelaus, the natural philosopher who taught Socrates, and Socrates himself, his origins, his shift from natural to moral philosophy, and his condemnation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools

The chapter details the succession from Euclides to Eubulides, Alexinus, and others, as well as the founding of the Megaric school and the Cyrenaic school by Aristippus.

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Eubulides and his followers are portrayed as contentious sophists using deceptive arguments, while Socrates is depicted as a genuine philosopher seeking moral truth.

### Ethics and Self-Control

Aristippus's hedonism and adaptability are contrasted with Diogenes' asceticism and Socrates' moral focus, highlighting different ethical approaches.

## Character check-ins

### Euclides of Megara

Founder of the Megaric school; studied Parmenides; taught that the chief good is unity; hosted Plato and other philosophers after Socrates' death.

### Aristippus of Cyrene

Cyrenaic philosopher; first Socratic to charge fees; known for adaptability and luxury; exchanged barbs with Diogenes and Plato.

### Socrates

Son of Sophroniscus and Phaenarete; pupil of Anaxagoras and Archelaus; first to converse about human life; condemned to death.

### Archelaus of Athens

Pupil of Anaxagoras and teacher of Socrates; first to bring natural philosophy from Ionia to Athens; discussed laws and ethics.

### Diogenes of Sinope

Insulted Aristippus for serving a tyrant; contrasted his own simple life with Aristippus's luxury.

### Plato

Visited Euclides after Socrates' death; criticized Aristippus in his writings; reproached Aristippus for his expensive lifestyle.

### Eubulides of Miletus

Successor of Euclides; invented dialectical arguments like the Liar and the Sorites; taught Demosthenes; quarreled with Aristotle.

### Alexinus of Elis

Pupil of Eubulides; fond of argument; nicknamed Elenxinus; quarreled with Zeno; died from a reed injury while swimming.

## Key lines

> He used to teach that the chief good is unity, but that it is known by several names; for at one time people call it prudence, at another time God, at another time intellect, and so on.

Euclides taught that the highest good is unity, which is referred to by many names such as prudence, God, or intellect.

_Summarizes Euclides' core metaphysical doctrine._

> If you had learnt to eat these vegetables, you would not have been a slave in the palace of a tyrant.

Diogenes told Aristippus that if he had learned to live simply, he would not have to serve a tyrant.

_Illustrates the Cynic critique of Aristippus's lifestyle._

> And you, if you had known how to behave among men, would not have been washing vegetables.

Aristippus retorted that if Diogenes knew how to interact in society, he would not be reduced to washing vegetables.

_Shows Aristippus's defense of social adaptability._

> He was the first person who imported the study of natural philosophy from Ionia to Athens, and he was called the Natural Philosopher because natural philosophy terminated with him, as Socrates introduced ethical philosophy.

Archelaus brought natural philosophy from Ionia to Athens, and with him that tradition ended as Socrates shifted focus to ethics.

_Highlights the transition from pre-Socratic to Socratic philosophy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/book-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters